William Edward Johnson

Johnson, William Edward, was born February 5, 1932 in Pittsburg, KS, to Clarence Edward Johnson and Elizabeth Pearl (Smith) Johnson. Bill attended grade school, junior high & 2 years of high school in Pratt, KS, and then graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1950. He attended Iola Jr. College for 1 year before enlisting in the Marine Corps in July, 1951. Bill served as a Marine Corporal in Dog Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. D25 (the most decorated marine division of all time). He was combat wounded twice in Korea & Purple Heart Recipient. After his return from Korea in 1954, he was stationed at Alameda Naval Air station & later came to WSU on a football scholarship and studied Mechanical Engineering. At WSU, he met Joan Verlene Joy and they were married on June 24, 1962, in Shreveport, Louisiana. They had five children. He worked as an Industrial Engineer at Boeing in Wichita and at Rohr Aircraft in Chula Vista, CA. The family bought a farm near Douglass that was home to all 5 children from 1962-1975. Bill took up farming as a and soon Cattle and Haying took over as his main occupation. In 1976, the family moved to Rosalia, Ks where they operated Flinthills Trading Post. Bill's love of horses was a constant passion throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Clarence S. Johnson and two sisters Margaret (Peggy) Summitt and Connie Unruh. Bill is survived by his wife, Joan, of the home in Wichita. His 5 children: Belinda Atteberry (Scott) of Derby, Bill Johnson (Joy) of Norton, Mark Johnson (Lisa) of Marion, Lisa Birden of Lebanon, IN and Debbie Hill (Travis) of Cedar Vale. 14 Grandchildren: Eric, Kelli, Kaylee, Brooke, Colten, Ali, Hanna, Brianna, Skylar, Lexi, Heather, Jarrett, Ryan and Seth. And, 3 Great-Grandchildren: Kruz, Noah and Adalyn. William passed away on March 15, 2015 at Robert Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita. His family will gather with friends on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Carlson Funeral Home where his funeral service will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. led by Pastor Wayne Handle. He will be laid to rest in Blankenship Cemetery, Rosalia. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the William E. Johnson PTSD Memorial in care of Carlson Funeral Home. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of William at www.carlsoncolonial.com.